A question for those who've played through Resident Evil 2

[Gamerforlife]

While going through some of my old PS1 games the other day, I spotted Resident Evil 2 dual shock edition. I booted up my save and I saw that I have the three secret weapons unlocked as well as the Hunk scenario. However, I don't have Tofu unlocked. I thought about getting him and did a google search to find the requirements. Apparently, you need six playthroughs of the game to unlock him.

So here's what I want to know. Can I use the gatling gun on my next couple of playthroughs? I know it drops your rank, but I don't need A ranks on every single playthrough to get him right? I mean I've obviously already A ranked the game on a previous run since I have the weapons unlocked. Also, do I need to keep saving on the EXACT same file for each playthrough?

I just want to do this right since it's going to take so many damn extra playthroughs. Being able to use the gatling gun would really speed things up

[Ack]

According to GameFAQs, you have to get A ranking all six times.

http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/psx/code/198458.html